Thanksgiving is one of the most revered holidays in the United States, deeply rooted in American tradition. Each year, families and friends gather on the evening of the fourth Thursday in November to celebrate a feast that symbolizes gratitude for a bountiful harvest, reminiscent of the gathering between colonists and Native Americans in 1621 shortly after the arrival of the first British settlers in America.
Today’s Thanksgiving dinner typically features a centerpiece of roast turkey, often stuffed with bread and accompanied by gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans, and pumpkin pie. However, that is not what the original feast consisted of in Plymouth, Massachusetts during the 17th century.
For instance, potatoes are of South American origin and were unknown in North America at that time. Green beans made their way into American cuisine centuries later, and the bird consumed then was likely not turkey but rather smaller fowl such as geese or ducks. Kathleen Wall, a culinary historian from Plimoth Patuxet, a living history museum in Plymouth, explained that the diet at that first Thanksgiving likely included game birds, cornmeal for making bread or porridge, venison, and possibly swan and passenger pigeons—an extinct North American bird.
Historical records indicate that the Thanksgiving celebration lasted for three days, with one description provided by political leader Edward Winslow detailing how the governor sent men to hunt birds to mark the occasion after their harvest. Winslow’s letter mentioned that the four hunters managed to bring back enough birds to feed the community for nearly a week, and many Native Americans, including their leader Massasoit with about 90 men, joined the festivities, contributing five deer to the feast.
William Bradford, another governor involved with the settlers, noted in his writings that besides waterfowl, there were many wild turkeys, venison, and potentially eels and shellfish as well. Cooking methods for the meals have also been explored, suggesting that some birds were boiled before being roasted, enhancing their flavors and creating a rich broth for the feast.
Pumpkin, a staple in Wampanoag cooking, likely made an appearance at the table, though not in the form of the pie we know today. Although the original Thanksgiving feast was not immediately established as a national celebration afterwards, it gained official recognition in the 19th century when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it a national holiday in 1863.
This examination of Thanksgiving’s roots reveals a fascinating differentiation between historical accuracy and modern customs, sparking a deeper appreciation for the holiday’s significance beyond the dinner table. Reflecting on its origins highlights the importance of unity and gratitude, values that continue to resonate today.
Thanksgiving has transformed over the centuries but remains a time for families to come together and reflect on the presentation of food and fellowship, signifying hope and gratitude for what brings loved ones together, transcending generations.